Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (HPSBB) organized Biodiversity Day here today on the occasion of “International Day for Biodiversity”. Health and Family Welfare Minister Vipin Singh Parmar presided over the function.Speaking on the occasion Vipin Singh Parmar stressed upon the need to spread awareness about Biodiversityin the context of successfully addressing biodiversity conservation problems in the State. He said that it was the need of the hour that we all collaboratively work towards the conservation of biodiversity.He expressed concern that more than 150 species of plant, insect, bird and mammal become extinct every 24 hours from the earth due to environmental imbalances. He said every person would have to contribute for preservation of environment adding that all concerned departments in collaboration with Panchayati Raj Institutes and NGOs need to make special efforts up to grass root level to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.The Minister also inaugurated an exhibition on Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh in which various reputed Centres and State research institutes articipated.
Additional Chief Secretary Tarun Kapoor said that by considering all the unique features of the state biodiversity, its conservation needs utmost and immediate concern of all the stakeholders who were deriving benefits either directly or indirectly from it.Member Secretary, HPSBB Kunal Satyarthi said that traditions, customs and cultural rights play a key role in protection of biodiversity and environment and there was a need to utilize the available information on conservation knowledge and provisions, documentation of valuable bio-resources, their associated traditional knowledge and promote the indigenous people/community as they contribute hugely in conserving the biodiversity.The theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity” was chosen to mark the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity and to highlight progress made in the achievement of its objectives at the national and global levels. The HPSBB also celebrated the whole week before International Biodiversity Day, as Biodiversity Week during which lectures, awareness and information on biodiversity, its importance, need for its conservation and sustainable use of its components were disseminated.Students of various schools of Shimla town participated in the Biodiversity March/Rally.